Salford owner Marwan Koukash is considering making a sensational big-money swoop for a superstar player to build a team around.

The Reds’ boss has identified potential targets both here and in Australia and is ready to bankroll a high-profile signing who could spearhead Salford’s transformation.

He could even reverse the recent trend by raiding rugby union for top-class talent, but favours a major signing from within rugby league.

Koukash told M.E.N. Sport: “For me to do this, I will need to sign the very best player in the sport and use him as the catalyst.

“I would be talking about signing proven world-class players at the very top of their game, such as Wigan’s Sam Tomkins. It is something we must consider and look at and we have targets.”

One of those targets could even include Test ace Johnathan Thurston, who is rumoured to be leaving NRL side North Queensland Cowboys – although Penrith are said to be waiting with a $5m offer for the 29-year-old playmaker.

“Other clubs have made a major signing and then added more quality on the back of this,” said Koukash. “It is certainly an option open to us.

“It has happened in other sports and proved successful. It could, given time, be just as successful for Salford.

“We cannot buy success but that will not stop me from trying to buy the very best players in the world.

“You sign a player on a very good contract and you simply build a team around them because of how good they are and what they can bring to a team if this is the option you take.

“Their profile can greatly influence other players to also sign. Such a signing also issues a real statement of intent.

“I have made it clear, though, I will not be held to ransom by any player.”

Salford have boosted their ranks with the signing of Darrell Griffin from Leeds on a month’s loan after the player had a change of heart.

The 31-year-old former England forward originally rejected an approach from the Reds, saying he was keen to fight for his place with the Rhinos. However, he has now joined up with Salford and could make his debut in Sunday’s Super League clash with Hull KR at the Salford City Stadium after training with the squad yesterday.

Salford have also had a renewed bid for Castleford Tigers’ Rangi Chase turned down. Koukash will discuss Reds’ recruitment plans in the next 48 hours with his newly-appointed rugby director Graham Lowe, who is flying in from Australia along with director Andrew Chalmers.

Koukash has already checked out the availability of Warrington skipper Adrian Morley and was disappointed when told the Wolves skipper was not for sale.

Salford’s new advisory team have a number of key issues to discuss as they look to strengthen the squad.

Chief executive Ed Farish has already revealed plans are afoot to sign two more quality Aussies in addition to the signing of Vic Mauro and Liam Foran from Manly. Mauro and Foran are due to arrive in the UK on Tuesday following delays with their visas.

Although he is keen to bring in new faces, Koukash has also stressed the importance of improving youth development.

“We have a number of options and possibilities to consider when we sit down and discuss the road we are going to go down regarding recruitment,” he said.

“This is why I have good, experienced people around me.

“Whatever we decide will be the best for Salford and it will allow us to progress accordingly.”

Salford, meanwhile, intend to repay all their creditors in full after announcing they are applying for a Company Voluntary Arrangement.

If the CVA is approved, all previous creditors before the takeover by Koukash will receive any outstanding money over the next five years.